Resource guide

This guide is intended to provide a quick overview of resources available to assist individuals incarcerated in New York state as well as their loved ones.

Please note that CANY’s purpose is to provide high-level oversight of the prison system and develop systemic policy and practice solutions. Given this, we do not have the resources to conduct individual advocacy.

Please feel free to email us if you have further questions: info@correctionalassociation.org.

Within the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision

Incarcerated people have several options available to them to make formal complaints about issues faced in prison, including:

Filing a grievance

Writing to the Superintendent of the prison

Writing to the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision: Acting Commissioner Annucci, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, State Office Campus, 1220 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12226-2050

Writing to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s Office of Special Investigations: To initiate an official investigation, contact the Office of Special Investigations, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, State Office Campus, 1220 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12226-2050

Challenging a disciplinary ticket: Incarcerated individuals have a right to a hearing within 14 days of the issuance of the disciplinary ticket, with a right to be present, call witnesses, and present evidence.

Outside legal services

For further legal assistance, please contact the following organizations:

Additionally, to order a copy of the Jailhouse Lawyer’s Manual, which provides in-depth information about legal issues and how individuals can best advocate on their own behalves, please contact: Columbia Human Rights Law Review, 435 W. 116th Street, New York, NY 10027